The risk of falling increases with each decade of life. Every year, one in every three adults age 65 or older suffers a fall.

A person who has fallen once is two to three times more likely to fall again.

Many victims have to receive treatment in emergency departments for fall-related injuries.

Consequences of falls, such as hip fractures and head trauma, can result in disability, reduced physical function and loss of independence.

But there is good news: falls are not an inevitable part of ageing. Many are preventable. Everyone can, and should, take action to protect older people in our community.

When dealing with falls, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. There are several preventive measures that can lower the risk of falling.

Exercise can help to prevent falls by increasing muscle strength and improving balance.

Walking, tai chi and aquatic therapy can lessen the chance of falling. Exercise that combines coordination and balance workouts with strength and aerobic training may be most effective.

In one study, participants in a combined workout programme were 40 per cent less likely to fall and a third less likely to suffer a fall-related injury compared with those who did not take part.

Usually, those who are older than 80 who have fallen before benefit from exercise the most. But a complex exercise programme is not absolutely necessary. Most activities that get the body moving, such as gardening or walking the dog, will help. Physical therapy can also be a valuable addition to exercise.

Being careful with your medication can also help. Some over-the-counter and prescription drugs can make you feel drowsy or dizzy. These side effects can raise the likelihood of falling.

Some medications that are safe by themselves can cause problems when taken in combination with other drugs.

Having a doctor or a pharmacist check your entire list of medications can help to find the culprits and make adjustments.

Failing vision will also increase your risk of falls. Without good vision, it is difficult to get around safely.

Older adults should have their eyesight checked every year and wear glasses or contact lenses with the accurate prescription strength.

Many things at home can cause a fall and about half of all falls occur at home. It may be best to have an occupational therapist visit your home and suggest safety measures.

Some improvements can be made by everyone. For example, tripping hazards such as throw rugs are notorious for causing falls. Remove these, as well as all other unnecessary clutter, from the floors.

Poor lighting can also increase your chance of falling. It is best to improve lighting throughout the house, and install more lighting when necessary. Lightweight curtains or shades can reduce glare without compromising the incoming light.

Staircases should have handrails for extra support. A fall down stairs is particularly dangerous because of added height and sharp edges.

Since many falls occur in the bathroom, it helps to put grab bars inside and next to the tub or shower and next to the toilet.

Using non-slip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors can help you to avoid slipping on wet floors.

Wearing shoes both inside and outside the house can also reduce falls. It is better to avoid going barefoot or wearing slippers.

Taking fewer risks can also prevent falls. For example, older adults should avoid using a chair or a stool to reach high places.

Sometimes, despite preventive measures, falls still occur. When this happens, strong bones can make a difference between a debilitating fracture and an annoying bruise.

A diet with enough vitamin D and calcium is essential for keeping bones strong. Wearing a hip protector, which places a soft pad over the outside of the leg bone, can also lessen the risk of a broken hip.

Falls should not be accepted as part of ageing. A good prevention programme that includes exercise, proper nutrition, home safety measures and competent medical care can help older adults to lead longer, healthier and more independent lives.

• Dr Serebrennik is a physician by training and now a full-time entrepreneur, investor and writer. He is also co-founder of Lighthouse Medical Supplies Ltd, a local company dedicated to helping healthcare providers cope with the increasingly competitive and cost-conscious practice environment.